Explosive streamer



Feb. 14, 1961 D, s, MCKINNEY ETAL 2,971,490

EXPLOSIVE STREAMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 13, 1944 D. S. McKINNEY G. D. MYLCHREEST mm mm mm w J J Feb. 14, 1961 D. S. M KINNEY EIAL EXPLOSIVE STREAMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 13, 1944 D. S. McKlNNEY G. D. MYLCHREEST Feb. 14, 1961 D. S. M KINNEY EIAL EXPLOSIVE STREAMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 13, 1944 D. S. McKlNNEY G. D. MYLCHREEST III! III s M. him.

Feb. 14, 1961 Filed May 13, 1944 7L ZZ7.

D. S. M KINNEY EI'AL EXPLOSIVE STREAMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 D. S. McKlNNEY G. D. MYLGHREEST Feb. 14, 1961 D. s. MCKINNEY EI'AL 2,971,490

EXPLOSIVE STREAMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 13, 1944 gwuam tom D. S MCKINNEY G. D. MYLCHREEST Feb. 14, 1961 D. S. M KINNEY ETAL EXPLOSIVE STREAMER 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed May 15, 1944 D. S. MoKlNNEY G. D. MYLCHREEST United States Patent- 2,971,490 EXPLOSIV E STREAMER Dickson S. McKinney, Lackey, Va., and George D. Mylchreest, 6915 Lenwood Ave., Washington, D. C.

Filed May 13, 1944, Ser. No. 535,560

2,971,490 Patented Feb. 14, 1981 ice - Moreover, the collapse of the hose frequently crushes the 18 Claims. or. 114-240 I (Granted under Title 35, US. Code 1952 sec. 266) This invention relates to explosive streamers'of the: type employed in the protection .of a moving vessel against torpedo attack wherein the streamers are adapted to be towed by the vessel within the water and each streamer is provided with a line explosive charge ca-. pable of sufficient explosive damage, when .fired, to deflect, disable, vicinity of the streamer. More specifically, .the present invention relates to a new and improved design for an explosive streamer of the aforesaid type in which the effectiveness of the streamer for the aforedescribed purpose is not impaired by the countermining action of a like streamer disposed adjacent thereto; a complete and positive propagation of the explosion of the line charge is assured when the streamer is fired, thereby invariably to cause a complete explosion of the streamer throughout the entire length thereof; and the buoyancy of the or destroy a torpedo moving within the" Nitramon in the cans ad causes a decrease in the explosive damage thereof when the streamer is fired subsequent to receiving the countermine shocks, the loss of sensitivity of the Nitramon being an inherent characteristic thereof which develops when the density of the explosive is increased.

The foredescribed prior art explosive streamers have a further disadvantage in that the spacing of the cans withinthe streamer breaks the homogeneous continuity g of the line charge therein and therefore prevents a dithe impact of streamer is maintained substantially constant"as the Streamer is towed through the water. Accordingly, the explosive streamer ofthe present in,- vention is, particularly suited for use with an anti-torpedo system such, for example, as the system disclosed in the copending application of Nelson N. Estes for Anti- Torpedo System, Serial No. 517,201, filed January 6, 1944, in which a plurality of explosive streamers is maintained within the water at a predetermined depth of sub mergence therein and in spaced parallelism with respect to eachother and to the towing vessel therefor by means of a faired towing cable, and the streamers are adapted to be fired in succession as'successive torpedoes are di: rected against the vessel. 7

In explosive streamers heretofore proposed forusein anti-torpedo systems of the aforedescribed' type, it has been the usual practice to employ an elongated hose, I

or a plurality of lengths of hose coupled end to endto form a single streamer, in which the hose is constructed of rubber or rubber coated fabric in a conventional manner. A plaurality plosive well-known in the art as Nitramon is arranged within the streamer at intervals along the length thereof thus comprising the explosive train of the streamer. The. cans are somewhat smaller in diameter than theinternal diameter of the hose and therein by means of a plurality of flexible supporting members therefor respectively disposed between adjacent pairs of cans, the explosive train being completed between the cans by means of one or more primer fuses arranged therebetween in operative connection therewith, thereby of cans or canisters containing an exare maintained in position toprovide a'substantially flexible streamer adapted to i be wound upon a reel or payed out therefrom as the streamer is launched into the water. In accordance with this arrangement, means are provided within" the streamer for receiving and retaining air supplied under pressure,

#spond respectively to the lengths of hose are adapted to be inserted therein and operatively coupled rect propagation of the explosion of the Nitramon from can to can when the streamer is fired. Moreover, the primer fuses, which are relied upon to complete the explosive train, are frequently crushed and broken under the countermine shocks. In such case, when all of the fuses between a pair of adjacent Nitramon cans are broken and separated, the propagation of the explosion is terminated at the break in the explosive train.

' The prior art explosive streamers have also been found to be. deficient in that the conventional rubber or fabric reinforced hose employed therein stretches under the tensile load on the streamer as the streamer is towed through the water. The elongation of the hose causes a change in volume thereof and a resultant variation in the buoyancy of the streamer, which buoyancy variation cannot bencontrolled' satisfactorily by varying the air pres sure within the streamer. Moreover, the elongation of the. hosenecessitates the aforesaid coupling mounting of the Nitramon cans, which mounting permits a corresponding elongation of the line explosive charge thereby to prevent sufiicient relative movement between the hose and the line charge at a point along the length thereof to cause a separation of the primer fuses at such point.

' A proposed strengthening of the side wall of the hose by increasing the number of plies of fabric reinforcement therein has not been found to be a satisfactory solution to the foregoing problems for the reason that the resulting increase in the thickness of the sidewall increases the tensile load on the streamer and increases the diameter thereof, thereby increasing the drag on the faired cable as the streamer is towed through the water. In the arrangement of the explosive streamer of the present invention a plurality of lengths of hose and a plurality of coupling members therefor having explosive charges respectively disposed therein are provided whereby the lengths of hose are coupled end to end to form a single streamer generally in accordance with the arrangements of the prior art streamers. In the present invention, however, the foregoing difficulties of the prior art streamers are obviated by the provision of a special hose construction and a new and novel line explosive charge comprising a plurality of inherently fiexible sections or sack charges, which sack charges correemployed and to each other to form a continuous explosive train when the streamer is assembled.

In the construction of the hose, a reinforcement of suitable fibrous material is provided which compirses at least two plies of bias cord wrapped in opposite directions about the hose at an angle of substantially 54 to the axis thereof. This construction of the hose reinforcement provides the maximum burst strength for the hose for a given weight of reinforcement therefor, the burst 3 strength being defined as the capacity of the hose to resist rupture when pressure is applied internally thereto. It has been observed in the development and testing of explosive streamers that the burst strength of the hose employed is related to the capacity of the hose to re-- for a given elongation thereof. However, the reinforce-f ment further comprises at least one ply of longitudinally arranged cords adapted to resist the tensile load on the streamer and thereby reduce the elongationthereof to a minimum. Thus, by reason of the hose construction provided the streamer is adapted to maintain a substantially constant buoyancy for a given air pressure therein as the streamer is towed through the water, the air pressure within the streamer being varied for the purpose of adjusting the buoyancy of the streamer to compensate, for example, for variations in the density of the water or for different depths of submergence of-the streamer therein.

In the design of the line explosive charge of the present hose, and the charge-within each sack is preweighed as through the sacks and mixture is being loaded therein.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved explosive streamer for destroying a torpedo moving within the vicinity thereof. .Another object is the provision of a new and improved I explosive streamer which is adapted to withstand without effective damage thereto countermine shocks received thereby from the explosion of a like streamer disposed invention, a suflicient amount of an explosive material is employed to provide the requisite explosive damage when the streamer is fired, the explosive damage being determined by the weight of the charge employed. The explosive material employed comprises a substantially 50% mixture of thoroughly blended granular and flaked TNT, which mixture is characterized in that the weight of the mixture which provides the requisite explosive damage also provides a mass which fully occupies the space within a hose of proper diameter and resultant displacement to render the streamer buoyant to a predetermined extent. The 50% mixture of granular and flaked TNT is further characterized in that the mixture possesses the inherent quality of resisting loss of sensitivity when pressure impulses caused by countermine shocks are'received thereby.

By reason of the provision of a line explosive charge which fills the'spac'e within the streamer, the hose of the streamer is better adapted to resist collapsethe reof.

cordingly, the hose may be provided with a side wallof substantially reduced thickness, and notwithstanding such reduction'in thickness, provide ample resistance to rup ture when countermine shocks are received thereby. In the arrangement of the line explosivecharge within the streamer, the aforesaid sack charges may bearranged either in abutting relation with respect to the TNT charges disposed within the aforesaid coupling members or, if desired, the coupling charges may be dispensed with and the sack charges arranged in abutting relation end to end adjacent hereto.

Another object is to provide an explosive streamer of new and improved construction adapted to maintain the buoyancy of the streamer substantially constant as the streamer is towed through the water.

Another object is to provide an explosive streamer of new and improved construction adapted to withstand countermine shocks without increasing the drag on the faired towing cable as the streamer is towed through the water.

Another object is to provide an inherently flexible explosive streamer having a substantially continuous line explosive charge disposed therein, which charge is formed in such a manner as to facilitate the ease of assembly of the charge within the streamer and to provide the optimum concentration of the charge therein for a given volume thereof which renders the streamer buoyant to a predetermined extent. A further object in an explosive streamer is the provi sion of a newand improved reinforced rubber hose which, for a'given Weight of reinforcement, affords an increased resistance to rupture of the hose by countermine shocks received thereby.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an explosive streamer having a new and improved reinforced rubber hose in which the elongation thereof is reduced to a minimum and the volume of the hose is maintained substantially constant as the streamer is towed through the water.

Still another object is the provision of a new and improved line explosive charge for a streamer in which a complete and positive propagation of the explosion of the charge is assured throughout the entire length of the streamer when the charge is fired, and the sensitivity of the charge 'is not impaired by countermine shocks re: eeived thereby. j j

An additional object'is 'to provide an elongated, in-v herently flexible sack explosive charge for an explosive streamer and a method and apparatus for expeditiously with respect to each other throughout the length of the being had to the accompanying drawings in which:

streamer. In either case, a sufliciently continuous line explosive charge is provided to assure the propagation of the explosion of the charge throughout the length thereof when the streamer is fired. As an added precaution, how;

ever, a primer fuse is extended through each sack charge 1 and is operatively coupled to the fuses of the adjacent charges.

' Each of the sack charges comprises a sack inherently loose fabric material intowhich the 50% TNT mixture is loaded; The 50% mixture is advantageously formed to conform substantially to the internal diameter of the streamer hose, sumcient clearance being provided to facilitate the assembly of the sack charges within the loading the explosive into the sack.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention not expressly stated hereinabove are those which will be come manifest from the following description, reference Figs. 1, 2, and 3 are sectional views of portions of the explosive streamer taken substantially along the center thereof,'certain parts being shown in elevation; Y Fig.4 is a view in elevation of a portion of the hose of the. explosive streamer, successive layers of the hose being broken away to show the construction thereof;

f Fig. 5is an enlarged sectional view of a fragmentary portion of the explosive streamer taken at the junction of the sack charge and coupling charge shown in Fig. 3;.

Fig. 6 is asectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 5; Y i

Fig. 7 is a view in elevation of the sack charge;

Fig. 8 is a somewhat enlarged sectional view of a por"-' tion of the sack charge shown in Fig. 7; I Fig.9 is a perspective view of a portion of the sack? Figs. 10 through 12 and 15 and 16 illustrate diagram= matically a method for threading the fuse through the sack;

Fig. 13 is a view in elevation of the end portion of the sack, fuse, and tube as shown in Fig. 12, portions of the sack being broken away to illustrate the positions of the tube and fuse;

Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line 1414 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 17 illustrates diagrammatically a method of mounting the sack and fuse therein for loading the explosive into the sack, and illustrates the condition of the sack when partly loaded;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary view of the sack and mounting therefor as shown in Fig. 17 and illustrates the fully loaded condition of the sack;

Fig. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line 19-19 of Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 is a sectional view taken along the line 20-20 of Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 is a sectional view of a portion of a modified form of the explosive streamer illustrating the manner of coupling adjacent lengths of the streamer hose and the sack charges respectively disposed therein, certain parts being shown in elevation; and

Fig. 22 is a sectional view of the hose lengths and sack charges shown in Fig. 21 after these parts have been coupled together.

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views thereof, the numeral 25 generally designates an explosive streamer of relatively small diameter in proportion to the length thereof. The explosive streamer com.- prises a plurality of elongated explosive sections 26 and a relatively shorter leading or buffer section 27. The buffer section comprises a length of hose 28, and each of the explosive sections comprises a length of hose 29, the hose in each case being of a special construction as will appear in greater detail as the description proceeds.

The buffer section comprises a towing head 31 which is secured to the hose 28 in watertight and air-tight relation therewith by means of a plurality of clamping devices 32, which devices force the hose into contact with the valleys 33 disposed between the lands 34 on the towing head. The towing head is adapted to connect the streamer to a suitable towing cable therefor in accordance with the arrangement disclosed in the aforesaid application of Nelson N. Estes, the towing head having certain electrical and pneumatic connecting devices, not shown, by means of which the explosive streamer may be connected to a means for completing the firing circuit to the detonators of the explosive streamer and to a source of air under pressure for inflating the streamer. The towing head also comprises a fiutter valve, not shown, for controlling the admission of air to the streamer and for preventing the admission of air thereto when the difierence in pressure between the pressure of the air supplied to the streamer and the pressure of the air therein exceeds a predetermined value.

The electrical and pneumatic supply lines respectively are continued by means of a multi-conductor cable 35 and a flexible tube 36 from the towing head to a coupling 37. The coupling 37 is secured to the trailing end of the hose 28 in the same manner that the towing head is secured thereto, the cable and tube being provided with sufiicient slack to allow for a twisting and bending of the buffer section without impairing the-effectiveness of the cable and tube connections.

The coupling 37 is generally of tubular configuration and serves as the bulkhead of the buffer section and as an airtight chamber in which the detonators of the streamer are housed. Such an arrangement for a coupling is described and claimed in the copending application of Harold W. Klas for Anti-Torpedo Device, Serial No.

478,509, filed March 9, 1943.

Accordingly, it sufiices to state herein that the leading end of the coupling is aware sealed in airtight relation as by a plate 38, and a pair of booster cans 39 and 40 are inserted into the tubular end pneumatic tube 36, streamer, the tubemounted with respect to the booster can 39 to carry the cable 35 through the booster can, the cable being first extended through the plate 38 and sealed in airtight relation with respect thereto by means of a stufiing box 46 carried on the plate. The booster cans are filled with granulated TNT, and the explosive train between the cans is completed by a pair of primer fuses 47 which are extended through a tube 48 connected between the cans, the fuses being extended well into the cans to insure an operative connection with the TNT therein.

By reason of the aforesaid mounting of the booster charges, a space is provided therebetweenwhich may be opened to atmospheric pressure without releasing the air pressure within the streamer. An opening 49 is provided to the chamber, which opening is normally closed by a cover 50. The cover supports a tetryl pellet 51 and one or more detonators 52 operatively associated therewith. The leads of the detonators are connected to the conductors of the cable 35 by means of a plug and jack connection 53, thereby to complete the circuit connection to the detonator.

The explosive train, hereinafter to be described in greater detail, is arranged within the-streamer in abutting relation with respect to the booster can 40 and is fired thereby when a firing circuit is completed to the detona; tors. The booster can 39 serves to sever the explosive streamer at the buffer section thereof when the detonators are fired, the propagation of the explosion being continued from the booster can 40 through the primer fuses 47 to the booster can 39. The buffer section, which is not inflated, serves to dissipate the force of the explosion, thereby to prevent damage to the towing cable.

The hose 29 of the leading explosive section 26 is concoupling 37, and the hoses of the succeedadjacent explosive sections "respectively are 37 are secured to the hose 28. In like manner, a tail plug 55 is secured at the end of the hose of the last explosive section. The tail plug carries a streamlined tail cap 56 which is secured thereto as by a bolt 57. The

to inflate the streamer rapidly.

Air under pressure is supplied to thestreamer for the purpose of adjusting the buoyancy thereof to compensate the hose, its synthetic varieties suitable for the purpose, comprises a plurality of plies of reinforcement therefor. The plies are formed of fibrous material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as cotton, the rubber and plies, after assembly, being vulcanized in a well-known manner. The hose comprises an inner tube. 60. upon which is through the plate 38 in any suitable manner, to the plate and in airtight relation therewith. A tube 45.

applied a first ply of bias fabric 61 to facilitate the fabrication of the hose. One or more plies 62 of longitudinally arranged cords are next applied. The plies 62 may be applied in the form of a strip, which strip comprises a plurality of longitudinally arranged cords joined by a webbing of rubber. In such case, the strip is wrapped longitudinally about the hose with the sides of the strip being brought either into abutting or overlapping relation with respect to each other. A ply 63 of cords wrapped about the hose at an angle of approximately 54 to the axis thereof is next applied. This ply may be formed by using the aforedescribed strips of longitudinally arranged cords and wrapping such strips about the hose at the aforesaid angle of 54. In like manner, fifth, sixth and seventh plies of bias cords at substantially 54 to the axis of the hose are successively applied, these plies being wrapped alternately in opposite directions about the hose. A final ply 65 of bias fabric is applied to facilitate the fabrication of the hose, and the hose construction is completed with an outer rubber cover 66.

The longitudinally arranged cords serve to reduce to a minimum the elongation of the hose resulting from the tensile load on the streamer, and the bias cords at substantially 54 serve to maintain a constant volume for a given elongation of the hose as the streamer is towed through the water. The 54 bias cord construction is further advantageously employed for the reason that it provides a maximum burst strength of the hose for a given weight of reinforcement thereof. By reason of this construction, a hose ofsa relatively thin wall and small diameter may be employed which, notwithstanding the thin wall, affords ample resistance to countermine shock and causes very little drag on the towing cable of the Streamerythe burst strength of course, as stated herein above, being related to the capacity of the hose to resist without damage thereto countermine shocks received thereby.

The line explosive charge comprises a plurality of sack charges 67 which are disposed respectively in the lengths of hose 29. Each of the sack charges comprises a sack or fabric tube 68 which is formed of a strip 69 of material suitable for the purpose such, for example, as canvas, which strip is folded longitudinally to bring the sides of the strip together and is stitched along such sides as shown in Fig. 9. I Aprimer or detonating fuse 71 is extendedthrough the sack 68 with theencls of the fuse projecting beyond the ends of the sack. The fuse may be of any type suitable for the purpose such, for example, as -a fuse known in the trade as Primacord. The sack has compacted therein a thoroughly blended 50% mixtureof granular and flaked TNT, the sack being bound to the'fuse by several turns of twine or cord 72 at points 73 disposed respectively from the ends of the sack and i at additional points 74 disposed at suitable intervals along the length thereof. Tubular seals 75, which may be formed of any material suitable for the purpose, are disposed about the fuse in interfitting relation therewith and adjacent to the points of application of the twine at points 73, thereby to seal the explosive within the sack at such points, binding the sack to the fuse at the intermediate points 74 serving further to compact the TNT within the sacks; v 4 The sack charges 67 are formed so as to be received substantially interfittingly into the lengths of hose 29 respectively,- suffieient clearance being allowed to facilitate the. insertion of the charges therein. Each of the sack charges is anchored or secured within the hose associated therewith by means of sack rings 76 which are secured to the hose by means of clamping devices 32 re- 'spectively, the open end portions of the sack 68 being drawnfbetween the sack rings and the hose before the rings are securedthereto. IfThefJline' explosi'e harge further comprises a short sackcha'rge 77 which is disposedwithin' the leading explosive section 26 in abutting relation with respect to the sack charge 67 therein and the booster can 40. The sack charge 77 may be formed generally in the same manner as the sack charges 67 except that a fuse is not extended therethrough and the ends of the sack are folded and sealed as by friction tape 78, as shown in Fig. 2.

p The line explosive charge is completed by a plurality of coupling charges 79 respectively disposed within the intermediate couplings 54 and in abutting relation with respect to adjacent pairs of sack charges 67. Each of the coupling charges comprises a container 81 which may be formed of cardboard, for example, and having a quantity of granulated TNT contained therein and central tube 82 extended therethrough.

By reason of the aforedescribed line explosive charge, the plurality of charges thereof are disposed in abutting relation with respect to each other and to the booster can 40, thereby to form a continuous explosive charge which assures a positive and complete propagation of the explosion of the charge throughout the entire length thereof. However, as an added precaution, the primer fuses 71 are arranged to form a line primer fuse along the length of the line explosive charge. The ends of adjacent fuses 71 are inserted into the tube 82 of the coupling charge disposed therebetween, and the ends of the fuses are arranged in overlapping relation within the tube, thereby to provide an operative connection between the fuses. The fuse 71 of the leading sack charge is brought forward along the short sack charge 77 and is inserted into the air tube 44, thereby to provide an operative connection with respect to the booster charge 40. The end of the trailing primer fuse may be shortened and bound with tape as appears in Fig. 3.

The sack charges, in substantially filling the space within the streamer, serve to prevent the collapse and rupture thereof under pressure impulses received thereby from countermine shocks, which shocks may be received, for example, from the explosion of a like streamer disposed adjacent thereto, a plurality of such streamers being employed in practice and spaced from each other at dis-, tances of 20 feet, for example. It will be understood, therefore, that the foregoing construction of the line explosive charge makes possible a further reduction in the thickness of the side wall of the hose of the streamer, and notwithstanding such reduction in the wall thickness, provides ample resistance to rupture of the hose when countermine shocks are received thereby.

In assembling the sack charges 67, the primer fuse 71 is carried upon a suitable reel 83 therefor, and the fuse is threaded through a rigid tube 84, the end of the fuse being doubled-back over the tube as clearly appears in Fig. 13. The fuse is threaded through the sack 68 by drawing the sack over the tube until the tube projects beyond the end of the sack. The sack and fuse are then withdrawn together from the tube sufficiently to provide a suitable length of primer fuse projected from each end of the sack substantially as shown in Fig. 16, the fuse, of course, being cut off sufficiently beyond the end of the tube 84 to provide the aforesaid double-back arrangement of the fuse.

In mounting the sack and fuse, thus assembled, for loading the TNT into the sack, the ends of the sack are secured to a pair of funnels or hoppers 85. The hoppers are supported on a suitable platform 86 from which the sack hangs in a U-shaped loop through a suitable opening in a second platform 87, the platforms, if desired, comprising adjacent floors of a building.

The ends of the primer fuse are extended through the funnels respectively and may be tied together as shown in Fig. 17 to facilitate loading of the sack. Each end of the sack is drawn over the restricted end of the fun.- nel associated therewith and is secured thereto by means of'a tapered securing ring 88, which ring is adapted to engage ,a coacting tapered ring 89 secured to the funnel with the end of-the sack being clamped therebetween.

The 50% mixture of granular and flaked TNT is prepared by first separately passing a quantity of each constituent of the mixture through a 4" mesh screen to remove extraneous material therefrom. Equal parts of the constituents are then placed in a tumbling mixer and tumbled therein until the mixture is thoroughly blended as indicated by visual inspection thereof.

In loading the mixture into the sack, an operator stationed on platform 86 alternately pours scoops of the mixture into the hoppers, and a second operator stationed "on platform 87 vigorously shakes each leg of the sack in directions both longitudinally and transversely thereof until each scoop of TNT has been been compacted within the sack as best appears in Fig. 20. It will be understood, of course, that if desired, a machine may be employed for causing the proper agitation of the mixture to compact the same within the sack. At the desired points along the length of the sack the seals 75 are inserted therein and the sack bound with twine as stataed hereinabove.

The quantity of TNT thus loaded into each sack is preweighed so that a predetermined weight of each sack charge may be obtained. Thus an arrangement is provided wherein sack charges of different weights may be employed in assembling the streamer, thereby to compensate for variations in the weight of the streamer along the length thereof.

Referring now to Figs. 21 and 22 in which alternate construction of the explosive streamer is illustrated, it will be seen that coupling members .91, for coupling adjacent lengths of hose 29 together, are formed of tubing "in which the lands and valleys therein are formed as by rolling the tubing. In accordance with this arrangement, sack charges 92 are employed in which both ends of the sacks 68 thereof are closed as by folding the ends and sealing the same as by tape 95, the ends of the primer fuses 71 being projected beyond the ends of the sacks as in the case of the sack charges 67. Anchoring tabs 93 are secured, as by stitching, to the ends of the sack charges 92 respectively, and by means of such tabs each of the sack charges is secured within the streamer, the tabs of each charge being clamped between the hose and the couplings 91 associated therewith when the hose is clamped to the couplings.

In assembling the streamer, one of the adjacent sack charges is extended well into the associated coupling 91 so that the ends of the primer fuses of the adjacent sack charges may conveniently be tied into a square knot before the second length of hose is secured to the coupling. As the second length of hose is drawn onto the coupling, the tabs inserted therebetween pull the sack charge associated therewithinwardly toward the adjacent sack charge, thereby providing an abutting engagement therebetween. Thus, by this arrangement the use of coupling charges within the coupling members is dispensed with. Moreover, a homogeneous line explosive charge and a positively coupled line primer fuse are provided, thereby invariably to cause a complete explosion of the streamer throughout the entire length thereof when the streamer fired.

From the foregoing, it should now be obvious that an explosive streamer has been provided which is Well adapted to fulfill the aforesaid objects of the invention. While but a single embodiment of the invention and a single modification of such embodiment have been disclosed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the invention appertains that the invention is susceptible of additional embodiments, modifications, and variations thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The invention herein described and claimed may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for Government purposes without payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In an explosive streamer of the character disclosed, an anti-countermine structure therefor comprising, in combination, an elongated hose-like member having a fibrous reinforcement which includes at least two plies of cords wrapped in opposite directions about the member substantially at an angle of 54 to the axis thereof, and a substantially 50 percent mixture of granular and flaked TNT disposed within said member in a quantity adapted substantially to occupy the entire space within the member, and flexible means for containing said TNT and adapted when loaded to be inserted within said member.

2. In an explosive streamer of the class disclosed, the combination of means for preventing damage to the streamer by countermine shocks received thereby, means for firing the streamer, means for providing complete propagation of the explosion of the streamer when the streamer is fired, and means for maintaining the buoyancy of the streamer substantially constant as the streamer is towed through the water.

3. In an explosive streamer of the character disclosed, the combination of an elongated hose-like member constructed and arranged to maintain a substantially constant volume for a given air pressure therein as the streamer is towed through the water, said member having a fibrous reinforcement which includes at least two plies of cords wrapped in opposite directions about the member at an angle with respect to the axis thereof, and means including a valve device within the streamer for receiving and retaining substantially at said given pres.- sure therein air supplied under pressure thereto thereby to adjust the buoyancy of the streamer.

4. An explosive streamer of the character disclosed comprising, in combination, an elongated hose-like member, 21 line explosive charge arranged therein, means for firing the charge, means for assuring complete propagation of the explosion of the charge when the charge is fired, means for preventing damage to the streamer by countermine shocks received thereby, and means for maintaining a substantially constant volume of the streamer is towed through the water.

5. In an explosive streamer of the character disclosed, the combination of an elongated hose-like member, a plurality of inherently flexible elongated explosive charges disposed within said member, each of said charges including a sack and a quantity of TNT contained therein, each said sack being adapted substantially to fill the associated portion of said member, and means for anchoring each of said sacks within said member.

6. In an explosive streamer of the character disclosed, the combination of an elongated hose-like member com.- prising a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of lengths of hose respectively connected thereby, and a line explosive charge comprising a plurality of sack charges disposed respectively within said plurality of lengths of hose, and a plurality of coupling charges dis.- posed respectively within said plurality of coupling mem,- bers in abutting relation with respect to said sack charges.

7. In an explosive streamer of the character disclosed, the combination of an elongated hose-like member com.- prising a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of lengths of hose respectively connected thereby, a line explosive charge comprising a plurality of sack charges disposed respectively within said plurality of lengths of hose and a plurality of coupling charges disposed respectively within said plurality of coupling members in abutting relation with respect to said sack charges, and a line primer fuse extending along said line explosive charge in operative connection therewith.

8 In an explosive streamer of the character disclosed, the combination of an elongated hose-like member comprising a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of lengths of hose respectively connected thereby, a line explosive charge comprising a plurality of sack charges disposed respectively within said plurality of lengths of hose, and a plurality of coupling charges disposed respectively within said plurality of coupling members in abutting relation with respect to said sack charges, a line primer fuse extending along said line explosive charge in operative connection therewith, and means for anchoring each of said sack charges within said member.

9. In an explosive streamer of the character disclosed, the combination of anelongated hose-like member, a line explosive charge disposed therein and comprising a plurality of inherently flexible. sack charges arranged end to end in abutting relation with respect to each other within said member, and means for anchoring each of said sack charges within said member.

10. In an explosive streamer of the character disclosed, the combination of an elongated hose-like member, a line explosive charge disposed therein and comprising a plurality of inherently flexible sack charges arranged end to end in abutting relation with respect to each other within said member, and means for anchoring each of said sack charges within said member, and a line primer fuse extending along said line explosive charge in operative association with respect to said sack charges.

11. A towed explosive streamer of the character disclosed comprising, in combination, an elongated hose-like member comprising a plurality of coupling membersand a plurality of lengths of hose respectively connected thereby, a line explosive charge comprising a plurality of sack charges disposed respectively within each of said lengths of hose except the leading length of hose and a plurality of coupling charges disposed respectively within each of said plurality of coupling members except the first coupling member, an electroresponsive detonator disposed within said first coupling member, a booster charge disposed within said first coupling member in operative association with said detonator and said line explosive charge, and a towing head secured to said first length of hose in operative electrical connection with said detonator.

12. In an explosive streamer of the character disclosed, the combination of an elongated hose-like member comprising a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of lengths of hose respectively connected thereby, a line explosive charge comprising a plurality of sack charges disposed respectively within said plurality of lengths of hose and a plurality of coupling charges disposed respec tively within all but one of said plurality of coupling members, an electroresponsive detonator disposed within said one coupling member, a booster charge disposed within said one coupling member in operative connection with said detonator and said line explosive charge, and a line primer fuse extended along said line explosive charge in operative association therewith and in operative connection with said booster charge.

13. In an explosive streamer, an elongated hose-like member, an elongated tubular member of fabric material adapted to be inserted into said hose-like member in telescoping relation therewith, a fuse extended through said fabric member, a mixture of granular and flaked TNT compacted within said fabric member, a plurality of turns of twine for binding said fabric member to said fuse at points disposed from the ends of said member respectively, and means secured to said hose-like member for securing the end portions of said fabric member to the hoselike member. 7

14. In an explosive streamer, an elongated hose-like member, an elongated tubular member of fabric material adapted to be inserted into said hose-like member in telescoping relation therewith, a mixture of granulated and flaked TNT compacted within said fabric member, means for sealing the ends of said fabric member, a pair of fabric anchoring tabs secured to at least one end of said 12 fabric member, and means secured to' said hose-like member for securing said tabs to the hose-like member.

15. A sack explosive charge comprising, in combination, an elongated tubular member of fabric material, a fuse extended therethrough, a mixture of granular and flaked TNT compacted within said member, means for binding said member to said fuse at points disposed from the ends of said member respectively, and means disposed about the fuse and adjacent to said points for sealing the TNT within the member at said points.

16. The method of producing an elongated explosive charge of inherently flexible construction comprising the steps of forming an elongated hose-like member'of inherently loose fabric construction, threading a cord-like fuse therethrough with the ends of the fuse projecting beyond the ends of the member respectively, suspending the hose-like member and fuseby the ends thereof, loading the member with a pre-weighed charge of thoroughly blended flaked and granular TNT, vigorously shaking the hose-like member to compact the charge therein during said loading, and binding the member to the fuse with twine at a plurality of points along the length of the member, thereby to seal and further compact the charge therein.

17. The method of loading a mixture of thoroughly blended flaked and granular TNT into an elongated tubular member of inherently loose fabric construction comprising the steps of suspending the member by the ends thereof so that the member hangs in a substantially U- shaped loop, alternately pouring scoops of the TNT mixture into the ends of the member, vigorously shaking each leg of the loop after each scoop of the mixture is poured therein, and repeating the steps of loading and agitating scoops of the mixture within the member until a quantity of the mixture providing a predetermined weight thereof has been compacted within the member.

18. The method of loading a mixture of thoroughly blended flaked and granular TNT into an elongated tubular member of inherently loose fabric construction having a cord-like fuse extended therethrough comprising the steps of respectively securing the ends of the members to a pair of supported funnels so that the member is suspended therefrom in a substantially U-shaped loop, extending the ends of the fuse through the funnels respectively, alternately pouring scoops of the TNT through the funnels into the member and compacting the mixture therein, passing a tubular-shaped seal over the fuse and into the member into contact with the mixture therein after selected quantities of the mixture have been compacted with the member, and binding the member to the fuse directly above the seal thereby further to compact the mixture within the member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 144,434 Boies Nov. 11, 1873 296,436 Murphy Apr. 8, 1884 757,877 Bosch Apr. 19, 1904 1,091,878 Cordray Mar. 31, 1914 1,223,035 Comstock Apr. 17, 1917 1,242,838 Morden Oct. 9, 1917 1,256,520 Coughlin Feb. 19, 1918 1,588,237 Kottler June 8, 1926 1,672,305 Coda June 5, 1928 1,824,141 Hill Sept. 21, 1931 2,404,440 Holm July 23, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS 2,926 Great Britain Feb. 9, 1899 5,883 ,Great Britain 1887 

